Kathmandu Valley is known for its temples and spirituality mixed in with the dynamism of a developing city and its people. Known for momos, Thamel, the heritage sites and the handicraft stores that line the tourist areas, it might seem as if that’s all there is to do in this vibrant city. But look just below the surface, and you will find so much more to discover. If you have already tried all the popular activities, here are 11 unique things to do in Kathmandu.
1. Visit Godawari Botanical Garden
Located 20 kilometers from our hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu, the National Botanical Garden is located in Godawari in the far south of Kathmandu. Although it is not a popular tourist destination, it is popular with locals, botanists and nature lovers.
The Botanical Garden covers an area of 82 hectares, so you can plan an entire day strolling around the Botanical Garden. The garden was established in 1962AD as a conservation site for indigenous plant species but it also houses other ornamental plants, creepers, aquatics, cacti, orchids, roses and medicinal plants.
The National Botanical Garden is sectioned into different parts like the Rock Garden, Biodiversity Education Garden and the Green House. Godawari is also known for birdwatching and for its hiking trails that lead to the peak of Phulchoki.
So you can combine your trip with hiking or a walk around the area to the Godawari Kunda or Naudhara temple. The best time to visit is obviously during spring when the flowers bloom; however, it is still beautiful all year round. Be careful during monsoon though, because leeches run rampant during this season.
2. Visit the Local Saturday Markets
Saturday Markets have become quite popular in recent years in Kathmandu. Each Saturday, you can find local markets in almost every major neighborhood or restaurant. The most popular ones are:
- Le Sherpa Farmer’s Market, Maharajgunj
- Labim Bazar, Pulchowk
- Farmer’s Market at Utpala, Boudha
- The Yellow House Farmer’s Market, Sanepa
- Chhaya Center Friday Markets, Thamel
You can find different kinds of local produce, food, bakeries and trinkets being sold. It also offers fresh organic produce and made in Nepal apparels. Visit a local market around your area and stay for brunch to see how a weekend unfolds in Kathmandu.
3. Take a Breakfast Run at Durbar Squares
As they say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And it can be the most delicious one too, if you walk around Basantapur, Patan or Bhaktapur Durbar Square in the morning. Wake up early and take a trip to any one of these Durbar Squares to experience local things to do in Kathmandu.
Stroll around to see the city wake up with devotees making their daily visits to the temple, street vendors and vegetable sellers offering fresh produce, while store keepers open up shop for the day. Among this, you will also notice fresh breakfast being offered in eateries or on the street.
Try the most popular breakfasts such as jeri swari (sweet crunchy jalebi wrapped in soft, deep fried bread) sel roti tarkari (deep fried rice flour donuts with vegetable stew), gwaramari (balls of dough similar to donuts), aloo chop (fried, crunchy potato slices dipped in batter), fruit cakes, breads, roti chana aloo (flat bread with chickpeas and potato) and hot soups being sold along with a cup of milk tea.
You can even join in the conversations with the locals as they enjoy their breakfast with a side of chitchats.
4. Visit Taudaha Lake
Taudaha is a naturally formed lake situated at the southern end of Kathmandu. Taudaha is famous as a recreational space for people to enjoy nature and go birdwatching or to watch aquatic life. There is a famous legend behind how the lake was formed. It is said that when water was drained from Kathmandu valley, all the snakes left the valley. However, a serpent king named “Karkotaka” stayed and made his home in Taudaha. It is believed that if the serpent king leaves his abode, drought will befall on Kathmandu valley.
From nature’s point of view, this wetland is a popular stop for migratory birds and is a great place to go birdwatching. There are also a lot of aquatic life such as different species of fish, turtles, and aquatic snakes. The lake is most beautiful at dawn when the lake captures the early sunlight while the mist floats on the lake.
Visiting Taudaha for a day is the best non-touristy thing to do in Kathmandu. Stroll around the lake, watch the birds and enjoy nature
5. Go Hiking in Shivapuri National Park
Located to the northern side of the valley, Shivapuri National Park stands at an elevation of 2732 meters. This national park is expansive and links to many hiking trails that reach all the way to Langtang National Park for a multi-day trek. However, you can plan a day hike and visit one of the many attractions in the national park.
Shivapuri National Park is known for its rich biodiversity and wildlife. As the park is home to leopards, deer, monkeys, black bear and several other animals. Shivapuri also has several spiritual sites such as the Baghdwar, Bishnudwar, Nagi Monastery or Jamacho Monastery as well as a viewing tower atop Nagarjuna hill.
There are several stops in and around Shivapuri that are perfect for a day trip to escape the city life. Make sure to take a guide with you or ask for a guided tour from the park’s office if you are going for a hike. Entrance costs NPR 1000.
6. Visit Exhibitions at Art Museums
Explore Kathmandu’s traditional and modern art culture at one of the many art galleries. The city’s art scene is thriving with artists constantly having exhibitions that depict different themes. Kathmandu’s art scene is flourishing with traditional and contemporary artists offering beautiful pieces that often blend a mix of traditional and modern techniques.
Some of the renowned art galleries include:
- Nepal Art Council, Madan Bhandari Road
- Siddhartha Art Gallery, Babermahal
- Museum of Nepali Art, Thamel
- Taragaon Next, Boudha
- Purna Museum of Newa Art, Pulchowk
Together these spaces make Kathmandu a dynamic hub, where ancient artistic traditions meet contemporary innovation, and where art is explored not just through exhibitions but through community programs, workshops, and cultural dialogue.
7. Take a Pottery Class in Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur is renowned for its pottery. This activity has become popular among tourists and locals alike and it is a one of the fun things to do in Kathmandu for families. You or your kids can get their hands dirty while they make works of art. Pottery classes are offered by seasoned potters who can guide you through the pottery making process.
The best place to take a pottery class is in Bhaktapur’s pottery sqaure, where potters lay out their work in rows to cook in the sun. Let your imagination run wild and create beautiful pottery. You can even take your work home or buy from the local shops to support small businesses.
8. Take a Healing Singing Bowl Session at Boudha
Get a spiritual break from the stress of daily life and head to Boudha for a healing session with singing bowls. Singing bowl healing is a form of sound therapy that is rooted in ancient Himalayan tradition. Singing bowl therapy is said to relieve the individual from anxiety, stress and sleep issues. The bowls are made from seven metals and resonate certain vibrations based on their size, thickness and metal. Different singing bowls are used for different chakras of the body.
The bowl “sings” when the mallet is run around the edge of the singing bowl. The bowl creates vibrations which are moved close to the key energy centers of the body, in the forehead, ears, chest and navel. While there hasn’t been scientific evidence of the remedy from sining bowls. Practitioners say that it does help ease the ailments to a certain degree. Either way, take a relaxing session and enjoy the soothing sounds of the singing bowls.
9. Go for a Yoga Retreat
Going on a yoga retreat is another unique experience you can get from your vacation in Nepal. Kathmandu valley offers a rich array of yoga retreats for yoga practitioners of all levels. Blend in the calm spirituality with a Himalayan backdrop as you release tense muscles and open up your mind. You can include your yoga retreat with a sound healing or meditation as well or get add-ons like a detoxing spa or cleansing rituals like jal neti. You can also get vegetarian meals while on the retreat.
Popular yoga retreats are organized on a regular basis by places like Kanchan Yoga at Boudha, Himalayan Yoga Academy in Raniban, Mandala Studio Yoga and Spa at Chandragiri Hill. For a yoga center close to Thamel, you can also try Pranamaya Yoga which is known for its teaching styles of Vinyasa, Hatha, Restorative Yin, for small group settings.
You can also opt for multiple day yoga retreats that include hiking and other activities as part of the package.
10. Join a Cooking Class
One of the best ways to learn about a culture is through its food. Learn about Nepalese culture and traditions through cooking. You can join a cooking class around Kathmandu and learn recipes for different types of Nepalese cuisine, including momo, yomari, thukpa, pakoda, chatamari, bara and many more.
If you are a foodie, this is an experience not to be missed. Many cooking classes can be found around Kathmandu, or you can even book a cooking class with locals through platforms like Airbnb experiences.
11. Take a Heritage Walk Through Patan Durbar Square
If you wish to learn more about Patan Durbar Square and its secrets, ditch the usual guided tours and opt for a heritage tour instead. A heritage tour offers a rich and immersive exploration of the city and its lore and legends along with historical explanations about how the city came to be. Learn about the different Bahas, the water spouts and primary neighborhoods.
Known as the City of Fine Arts, Patan Durbar Square boasts a large collection of beautiful temples, palaces, courtyards and traditional Newari architecture. Walk through narrow alleys to discover bustling squares where centuries-old traditions are still alive.
Experience the sights and sounds of an ancient city starting from the central square then heading towards the inner courtyards. Along the way, your guide will tell you about old legends and myths surrounding the city. Uncover historical monuments and get a glimpse of the daily life with a heritage walk in Patan.
Kathmandu has so much more to offer than meets the eye. If you look just beneath the surface Kathmandu is a vibrant city with activities that help you to discover more about the city and even yourself. Try these unique things to do in Kathmandu, or any one and find a new lens to look at the city.
